Socceroos qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Sky News AU

a day ago

Socceroos captain Mat Ryan's 'fairytale' came true after celebrating his 100th appearance for Australia with FIFA World Cup qualification.
The Socceroos beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) to ensure Australia would take part in a sixth successive World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Australians only needed to avoid a five-goal defeat to seal qualification, but were intent on producing a winning performance in the steamy conditions.
And despite going behind in the 19th minute through a goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, the Socceroos weren't going to be denied a win, with midfielder Connor Metcalfe and striker Mitch Duke scoring either side of half-time to give Australia the advantage.
And then, fittingly, it was left to skipper and goalkeeper Ryan to provide the icing on the cake late in the match when he saved a penalty from Saudi winger Salem Al-Dawsari to ensure the Socceroos would not only qualify for the World Cup but also win the match.
'Fairytales come true,' an emotional Ryan said.
'(But) any cap number that it is than an individual gets is a special one. The jersey, the team and the nation deserves that whoever it is taking that opportunity, that they give everything that they've got and try to produce for the nation in that moment.
'That's my motivation each day, to try to get as many successful moments in this shirt as possible, and if I'm not on the pitch then I try to help from the sideline, and I try to help day to day on the training pitch.'
Ryan paid tribute to the entire Socceroos camp – including players, coach Tony Popovic, the rest of the coaching staff and the support sport – for helping Australia reach another World Cup.
The experienced gloveman also thanked previous Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, who resigned from the job after Australia had only picked up one point from its opening two games in the third round of AFC qualifiers following a successful round-two campaign of six wins from as many matches. .
'He (Arnold) began this campaign, and we had a lot of success with him also,' Ryan said.
'Without that, this moment wouldn't be possible.
'The journey that we went on to get here. I'm just so proud of everyone. A big thank you for all their efforts … the dedication, the sacrifice.'
Popovic said Ryan's career 'speaks for itself' and that there was a 'lot more' for the 33-year-old custodian to achieve.
'It's day he'll never forget,' the Socceroos coach said.
'Qualifying for this win, saving a penalty – it's a special moment.'
Originally published as Mat Ryan saves penalty in fitting way to help Australia qualify for World Cup in his 100th game for the Socceroos